The Wolf and the Lamb: Review of Rachel Van Dyken’s Ruin (Ruin #01)

I’m not your typical girl. I’ve been running away from the memories that haunt me for so long that depression has become my only comfort. I was content in the darkness…until Wes Michels offered to be my light.

I didn’t know that time wasn’t my ally — that every second that ticked past was one step closer to the end of something that was beginning to mean the end of myself. He tried to warn me. He promised me all he was able to offer–each moment as it came–but it would never be enough.

Sometimes when you think it’s the end, it’s only the beginning. Wes thought he could save me, but in giving me everything, he ruined me. Because after one kiss, one touch, I couldn’t–I wouldn’t ever be the same.

And from that moment on, his heartbeat became my own.

Rachel Van Dyken has taught me to never ever ever judge a book by its cover. Ever! When I first saw Ruin, thought it might be about a bad boy, and a good girl, they fight and argue but eventually fall in love. Ugh.Typical, I thought. How mistaken I was!

Weston Michels is the ideal all American college student. Born to a wealthy family, with a good position in school and is a sought after athlete. Perfect.

Kiersten Rowe, on the other hand is your typical freshman student, trying to find her way through school, through life,quietly.

But of course, all of that is on the surface only.

I love how Rachel Van Dyken makes her characters more than meets the eye. On the surface, they are your typical college students, the quiet freshman and the popular jock. But in the inside, she gives them depth and substance which makes you want to learn more.

Weston is a wonderful character who actually wants to make a difference. I love how his charm is found deep inside him. He is knowledgeable beyond his years and his experiences taught him that a gesture, or a greeting, no matter how insignificant it may seem, can mean life or death to a desperate person.

Kiersten has become one of my all time favourite female leads, even if she tends to lose all thought process in front of Wes (who wouldn’t? XD) I loved the fact that she herself tries to break out of her shell and make herself a better person. I’ve read a lot of books where the ladies try their best to stay how they are. Not Kiersten. She may have her past and her issues, but she does her darnest best to change.

Rachel Van Dyken also peppers the book with great supporting characters who do nothing but nudge our protagonists along their way. Gabe, Lisa, Uncle Jobob and the others add more color to the book and so intriguing themselves that you can’t help but expect respective sequels for them (which as of this writing, Gabe already has one and Lisa has an upcoming one too).

Its such a wonderful, wonderful read for me. I love the language and the witty banter between them. The nicknames are so funny, plus all the sweetness in between. Character conflicts and angst do not drag along the story.

Although the plot is nothing new, Van Dyken does give the book a big heart, figuratively and literally. Heart is the center of the story and heart is what keeps you from putting the book down. You see it and you feel it. She then allows her characters free reign to bare themselves to you, you will have no choice but to do the same. You will laugh, cry and root for the wolf and the lamb all the way to the last page.

But more importantly, she effectively delivers the message of the book: Value life. Celebrate it, live it. Touch as many people as you can. Every second counts.

Rarely do I find authors I would love to read and re-read and re-read a gazillion times. Rachel Van Dyken is one of those whose works I would I not hesitate on and she has earned a permanent place in my bookshelf and in my heart.